Now in its 17th edition, LOOT presents a cross-section of the most exciting cutting-edge art jewellery designs, while offering the public a rare opportunity to meet and acquire pieces directly from some of the most skilled creators in the field. A striking example of the evolving possibilities of jewellery as an art form, LOOT: MAD About Jewelry champions the vision and craftsmanship of outstanding art jewellers – most of whom have never before shown work in the United States. ‘This annual five-day pop-up store is a one-of-a-kind event,’ said Marsy Mittlemann, the 2017 LOOT Chairman. ‘I am thrilled to introduce these 54 contemporary jewellery artists to the New York City community. The opportunity to buy these unique pieces of jewellery, and to meet the artists while supporting the Museum and its mission, is very meaningful to me.’ Each year, collectors and jewellery enthusiasts flock to MAD’s LOOT event to learn about jewellers’ processes, materials, and concepts, and to purchase works directly from their makers. With all of the designers present on site throughout the exhibition and sale, LOOT is one of New York’s most unique museum experiences. Proceeds benefit MAD’s exhibition and education programs. ‘MAD and LOOT celebrate not only the work of artists but also the artists themselves,’ said LOOT Curator Bryna Pomp. ‘The artists love relinquishing the relative isolation of their individual studios to discuss their jewellery with LOOT visitors and to meet their international colleagues. In this way, MAD fulfils its mission not only to the public but to the artists.’

This year’s edition welcomes 54 artists from 21 countries, the majority of whom have never been shown in New York.

All were selected by Pomp following a full year of travel and research. For the first time, LOOT will feature three artists from Iceland and one from Romania.There will also be artists from Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Norway, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States. ‘Each year, I seek to present materials that even I have not seen in my decades of work in the field of jewellery,’ said Pomp. ‘In each edition of LOOT, I strive to show as many different, unique materials as possible in addition to more traditional metals and semi precious stones. The 2017 presentation includes driftwood, neoprene, marble, sheer plywood, textiles, ceramic, aluminium, beading, and acrylic. A significant trend this year is the use of recycled materials, including china tableware, plastic bottles and shopping bags, and even skateboards.’

This year, over two dozen artists have designed jewellery using natural forms as their subjects. Visitors will meet Finnish artist Inni Pärnänen, who makes floral designs using sheer plywood, and English artist Rie Taniguchi, whose jewellery depicts animals and birds. Fellow English jewellery artist Olivia Creber uses molten metal with minerals, while French artist Delphine Nardin uses sea glass, gold, and silver to design jewellery inspired by the ocean. And Icelandic artist Helga Mogensen uses driftwood and visible threads to create unique statement necklaces. LOOT: MAD About Jewelry reflects the Museum of Arts and Design’s commitment to the exploration of materials and process, as well as its long-standing presentation of jewellery as an art form. MAD is the only American museum with a gallery dedicated to the display of both temporary jewellery exhibits and its own collection of contemporary and modern studio and art jewellery.